Health Benefits of Eating Red Dates
There is an old Chinese saying that goes like this: “Eating three dates a day will keep you away from looking old.” Red Dates also known as Jujube is generally classified by Traditional Chinese Medicine as a fruit with prominent medicinal values for nourishing and replenishing the body energy. According to Chinese pharmacology, red dates are sweet in taste with warming effect that passes through the heart, spleen and stomach meridians which could strengthen energy level and improve organ functions at the middle burner area. It is used for nourishing blood and tranquilizing the mind. It also serves as an ingredient in decoction formula to produce a synergizing and harmonizing effect with other herbs.
According to modern pharmacological studies, red dates are rich in carbohydrates which include mainly glucose and fructose, abound with protein, fat, organic acids, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin C, amino acids, triterpenoid glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, volatile oil, and trace elements such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and so on which has a strong nourishing effect to enhance human immunity that can promote the generation of white blood cells to fight against common ailments. It inhibits cancer cells and even contains substances that could program cancer cells back to normal. Research studies also found red dates have the effect of reducing serum cholesterol, increasing serum albumin, protecting the liver, preventing gallstones formation, improving muscle strength for weight gaining, preventing osteoporosis and anemia, anti-allergy and treating cough with phlegm and etc..
Though red dates are good for health and can be taken frequently, but should be eaten in moderation. Excessive consumption will have an adverse effect on gastrointestinal function that will cause flatulence and constipation. It is very rich in sugar, so for diabetic patients should be taken with caution. Those with severe internal damp-heat and have abdominal distention should avoid from taking it. Skin of red dates has high fiber content which is not easy to digest, therefore must fully chewed. For general healthcare, could take three to five red dates at once, once or twice daily are usually enough. Drinking juices from boiling red dates with seed induces heat to the body. Removing the seed first before boiling may lessen the heating effect. Crack the skin of red dates first, and then soak in water for 30 minutes before boiling in order to allow the effective ingredients to release out more easily.
